National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NDEB Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What is the reason for adding copper to dental amalgam?

To induce a silver-mercury phase

To reduce tin-mercury phase and increase compressive strength

Dental amalgam is a commonly used material for filling cavities in teeth. It is made up of a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and other metals. The addition of copper to dental amalgam serves to reduce the formation of a weaker, tin-mercury phase, and instead, increase the formation of a stronger, silver-mercury phase. This results in improved compressive strength of the amalgam, making it more durable and less susceptible to fracture. Adding copper does not directly contribute to the aesthetics of the amalgam, thus option A and C are incorrect. Option D, saying that there is no reason for adding copper, is also incorrect as explained above.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

To enhance aesthetic appeal

None of the above

Next Question

Report this question

Download National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy